11 old-fashioned side dishes that’ll have them begging for seconds

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Forget fancy, these 11 side dishes are pure grandma-approved goodness. Get ready for a flavor trip down memory lane that’ll have everyone fighting over seconds!

Mexican Macaroni Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Layered Salad

A layered salad in a clear glass trifle bowl on a wooden board, with peas, lettuce, and red tomatoes, next to a floral patterned cloth.
Layered Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Craving that old-school potluck vibe? This layered salad is all about fresh romaine, colorful veggies, and the salty crunch of bacon. Topped with a creamy mayo dressing, it’s a winner that’s easy to love (and devour).
Get the Recipe: Layered Salad

Orange Rice

Bowl of rice with chopped celery and orange slices on a wooden table.
Orange Rice. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Step back in time with this oven-baked orange rice! This old-fashioned recipe features fluffy rice infused with the bright zest and tangy juice of oranges, making it a nostalgic and flavorful side dish for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Orange Rice

Surprise Potatoes

A casserole dish with shredded cheese and a wooden spoon.
Surprise Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Calling all cheese lovers! Grandma’s Surprise Potato recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, bringing a wave of creamy cheesy goodness to the table. Perfect for potlucks and family dinners, this dish is sure to disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Surprise Potatoes

Grape Salad

Grape Salad in clear bowl with green grapes in background.
Grape Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Skip the fancy stuff, this grape salad’s a total winner! It’s crazy easy to whip up, loaded with creamy goodness, and guaranteed to bring back those good old-fashioned feels.
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad

Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Green beans with bacon and almonds on a red plate.
Green Beans Almondine with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Craving some fancy green beans that are actually super easy to whip up? Look no further than Green Beans Almondine with Bacon! We’re talking crispy green beans tossed in a lemony butter sauce with crunchy almonds and salty bacon crumbles. Delicious and impressive, but without any fuss!
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Cabbage Apple Salad

Red cabbage slaw in a wooden bowl with a spoon.
Cabbage Apple Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Ditch the trends, this Cabbage Apple Salad is a classic for a reason! It’s a winning combo of crisp cabbage, sweet apples, and a tangy dressing, making it a refreshingly nostalgic side dish for any table.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Three baked potatoes on a blue and white plate.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Craving comfort food but tired of takeout? Ditch the delivery menu and whip up these Oldie-But-Goodie Stuffed Baked Potatoes! Packed with creamy mashed potatoes and melty cheese, these classic spuds are the ultimate side dish for any night of the week. Easy to make and satisfyingly delicious, they’ll have you feeling warm and fuzzy in no time!
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Sweet Potato Puffs

A plate with a bite out of a sweet potato puff.
Sweet Potato Puffs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Ditch the usual sides, these Sweet Potato Puffs are like mini sweet potato casseroles with a crazy good cornflake crumble! Think sweet potato goodness meets addictive crunch. Perfect for parties or just a fun dinner upgrade. Trust me, these puffs are grandma-approved and everyone will be raving!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Puffs

Mexican Macaroni Salad

Mexican Macaroni Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Spice up your next get-together with Grandma’s Mexican Macaroni Salad! This family favorite is anything but ordinary. Packed with creamy taco flavor, crisp veggies, and your favorite pasta, it’s easy to make and disappears in a flash. Perfect for potlucks or just a fun side dish, this one’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Macaroni Salad

Cornbread Stuffing

A dish of stuffing on a cutting board.
Cornbread Stuffing. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Bring back the comfort food! This homemade cornbread stuffing recipe is a nostalgic taste of the 70s, packed with crispy bacon, sweet onions, and crunchy celery for flavor in every bite. Skip the boxed stuffing and wow everyone with this classic side.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Stuffing

Amish Macaroni Salad

Bowl of Amish macaroni salad with some on a spoon.
Amish Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

No potluck panic here! Amish Macaroni Salad is your creamy, classic hero. This quick and easy dish is bursting with sweet and tangy flavors, bringing a taste of Amish comfort to any gathering. It’s so delicious, everyone will be begging for the recipe – trust me, this side dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

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